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First Fully-Electric MLS Soccer Stadium Being Built in New York City Could Transform the Whole Neighborhood

By
Andy Corbley
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credit - New York City FC, released.
credit – New York City FC, released.

New York City Football Club (NYCFC) recently revealed their proposal for a new soccer stadium in Willets Point, Queens, that would be totally electric, partly run on green energy, and built with recycled materials that conserve water and reduce waste.

Sports stadiums are pretty unsustainable places, whether that’s the large amount of water needed for the toilets and field irrigation, the massive concrete parking lots, stadium stands, and roofs that soak up heat, or the fact that all concessions are single-serving plastics and papers.

Addressing sustainability from top to bottom, from the beginning of match day to the time when the janitors leave, is really what the Willets Point project is all about.

The 25,000-seat stadium would become the first fully electric stadium in Major League Soccer, (MLS) in addition to being the first fully electric professional sports stadium in New York City.

The stadium and development plans have entered the Uniform Land Use Review Process this week, and the club will be hoping to receive permission to break ground as soon as possible because there is a lot of work to be done.

In addition to a fully electric stadium which will be privately financed, the Willets Point development project would also deliver a total of 2,500 units of 100% affordable housing at the site, as well as a 650-seat public school, 40,000 square feet of new public open space, retail space and a 250-key hotel.

“This soccer stadium, and the larger Willets Point project, will transform a part of Queens that has a long and difficult history of environmental degradation,” said Council Member Francisco Moya.

The stadium will be all-electric, with an array of solar panels installed on the stadium roof to maximize energy generation. Built-in efficiency will ensure that intelligent systems eliminate energy waste, and a backup generator will be there for emergencies.

A water harvesting system below the stadium field will capture rainwater and reuse this for irrigation. Water efficient systems, including dry urinals, proximity-controlled taps, and reduced water mix taps and shower heads will help to reduce unnecessary consumption.

credit – New York City FC, released.

Materials, fixtures, and fittings for the stadium will wherever possible be locally sourced to avoid substantial transportation impact on the environment. Furthermore, the Club is focused on construction that will promote efficient insulation and natural venting.

SUSTAINABLE MEGAPROJECTS: Berlin’s Derelict Airport Undergoes Transformation to Become a Sustainable Neighborhood

To reduce environmental impact, the Willets Point Stadium project is committed to delivering effective means to reach the stadium through public transportation. NYCFC is building on its relationship with the Metro Transit Authority that started nearly a decade ago to continue to ensure accessible and affordable public transport options.

The Club is committed to reducing all waste at source. Fans will have easy access to drinking water refills throughout the stadium. The stadium will explore options for on-site composting of waste for local benefit.

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS: Paris Olympics Gets 11,000 Stadium Seats Made of Recycled City Plastic

Through the stadium project, the Club will work proactively with suppliers to ensure that there is a supply chain approach to its sustainability agenda, often working with small, local suppliers to improve and uplift their own related sustainability agendas, therefore improving the local community further.

“I’m proud that New York City will be home to the first fully electric sports stadium in Major League Soccer,” said Mayor Adams, a sentiment shared by the Club’s president Bret Sims, who added that “we’re focused on ensuring that the Club is leading the way when it comes to reducing environmental impact.”

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“It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people; to focus your energies on answers, not excuses.” – William Arthur Ward

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Quote of the Day: “It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people; to focus your energies on answers, not excuses.” – William Arthur Ward

Photo by: Surface

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Crane Operator is Hero for Saving Man From Top of Burning Skyscraper After Seeing Him Wave His Coat (VIDEO)

By
Andy Corbley
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Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo

In Reading, England, a worker at the helm of a construction crane managed to save the life of a man trapped on the roof of a burning high-rise building.

While admitting it “has not been your average day at work,” the operator played down the Hollywood-like rescue.

On that blustery day, crane operator Glen Edwards had a metal cage meant for holding people intending to work on the facades of buildings, and it was with this that he affected the rescue of a man whom he only saw out of the corner of his eye because the stranded fellow was waving his coat about.

The wind was really blowing the cage about, as well as the smoke. The Daily Mail reports that the cladding which covered the Station Hill housing development was filling the air with toxic fumes, which at the moment had been blowing away from the stranded man. If the winds changed, he could have suffered lethal smoke inhalation.

Receiving help on the radio from his supervisor, Edwards skillfully lowered the cage next to the building close enough to allow the man to climb in, which created an eruption of cheers from the crowd below.

MORE FIRE RESCUES: A Hero Just Passing By Saves Young Mom and Son From Dying in Wyoming House Fire

“I would say it was a very close call, if you look at the video at the way the wind was swirling around there,” Mr. Edwards told the Daily Mail.

“I tried to put the cage down between him and the flames, but I was hampered by the wind swirling around there. But I got the cage down and I managed to get him in there.”

WATCH the dramatic 2 minute rescue below…

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Quiet New ‘Concorde’ Could Fly from New York to London in 1.5 Hours – It’s a Step Closer to Take-off

By
Andy Corbley
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Archive concept illustration of the X-59 aircraft - NASA, via SWNS
Archive concept illustration of the X-59 aircraft – NASA, via SWNS

NASA is developing a quiet supersonic jet in order to replace the dreams of the Concorde with one that is significantly less deafening to the people down below.

The supersonic passenger plane, called the X-59 aims to fly faster than the speed of sound, at almost twice as fast as the Concorde.

Engineers are aiming to reduce the sound of the typical sonic boom to a ‘sonic thump’.

NASA reported in August they have identified potential passenger markets in about fifty established inter-city routes, and it’s hoped one route would see flights from New York City to London up to four times faster than what’s currently possible.

At the moment, however, it’s sitting in a hangar where it will be painted at the Lockheed Martin facility in Palmdale, California, says the space agency. Once painted, the team will take final measurements of its weight and exact shape to improve computer modeling.

“We are incredibly excited to reach this step in the mission. When the X-59 emerges from the paint barn with fresh paint and livery, I expect the moment to take my breath away because I’ll see our vision coming to life,” said Cathy Bahm, the low boom flight demonstrator project manager.

ANOTHER EFFORT LIKE THIS: Hydrogen-Powered Swiss Jet May Herald Return of Supersonic Flight–And Cut Travel Time By 75%

“The year ahead will be a big one for the X-59, and it will be thrilling for the outside of the aircraft to finally match the spectacular mission ahead.”

The NASA X-59 moving into the paint barn at Lockheed Martin – credit NASA, via SWNS

The aircraft is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, through which NASA will fly the X-59 over several to-be-selected U.S. communities and gather data about people’s perceptions of the sound it makes.

NASA will provide that data to regulators which could potentially adjust current rules that prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land.

MORE FUTURE OF FLIGHT: Flying Car You Can Park in Your Garage Lifts Off on Maiden Voyage: Meet the $200,000 Switchblade

Earlier this year, the space agency investigated the business case for supersonic passenger air travel aboard aircraft that could theoretically travel between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535-3,045 mph at sea level).

Concorde had a maximum cruising speed of 1,354 miles per hour, or Mach 2.04.

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Abandoned Wells Turned into Whimsical Sculptures to Irrigate Villages with a Smile in India

By
Andy Corbley
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Abandoned well transformed with Virudhunagar District Rural Development Agency by J Meghanath Reddy
Abandoned well transformed with Virudhunagar District Rural Development Agency by J Meghanath Reddy

Abandoned water wells are being rejuvenated with a dash of color in the Tamil Nadu state of India.

Here, where clean water pulled from small wells is a daily necessity in the semi-arid Virudhunagar district that is entirely irrigated by rain and not by rivers, 163 wells were targeted for the project by local administrators.

Dreamt up by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), work commenced in August of 2022 and was finished by December. Whimsical designs like a treasure chest, cup and saucer, a wrapped present, and watermelon were chosen for the wells’ structures and shelters in order to raise awareness and enthusiasm for water conservation.

But the eye-catching designs were only the finishing touches. The important work was the recharging of the wells with a series of pipes that channel water from the surrounding land into the wells.

Over time the wells had been abandoned and became holes for dumping garbage.

Abandoned well transformed with Virudhunagar District Rural Development Agency by J Meghanath Reddy

“The wells for this project were strategically chosen based on their location. The wells situated near overhead water tanks and near water tanks were chosen so that the water overflowing from the tanks would drain into the wells for recharge,” said an assistant engineer on the project at the DRDA, G Prakash Kumar.

“The wells situated in the low lying areas were also chosen for the rainwater to automatically drain to the well through the pipelines,” he told the Times of India.

MORE REJUVENATION IN INDIA: Colorful Mumbai Overpass Goes Viral After Being Converted into Sporting Complex for Community

A village leader told the paper that children now frequently play around the well shelter, which has been built to look like a basket with bright colors, and the area has become somewhat of a gathering point where people socialize.

Another village leader, whose local well is shaped like a train car, agreed, and said that now children constantly ask him where the train is going.

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A Stanley Thermos Survives a Car Fire, so Stanley Replaces Both the Mug and the Car

By
Andy Corbley
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credit - @danimarielettering
credit – @danimarielettering

Kia Sorento owner Danielle lit up TikTok with a viral video of her approaching her car which had recently caught fire. Within the torched interior, stood a solitary undamaged item.

It was a Stanley thermos, and it was the reason for the 84 million shares and 60k comments that festooned the post.

“Everybody’s so concerned about if the Stanley spills, but what about if it melts?” she asks in the video, then she grabs the Stanley thermos in the cupholder and shakes it. “Fire yesterday,” she says. “Still has ice in it.”

@danimarielettering Thirsty after you catch on fire? @Stanley 1913 is like no problem i gotchu #fyp #carfire #accident #stanleycup ♬ original sound - Danielle

The firestorm of comments was filled with people egging Stanley on to reward Danielle for this incomparable advertisement, and it didn’t take long for Stanley to reply.

“We’ve all seen your video. Wow, what an ordeal and we’re all really glad you’re safe,” said Stanley Company President Terence Reilly, in a video response.

“I’ve seen a lot of comments that we should send you some Stanleys. Well, we are gonna send you some Stanleys. But there’s one more thing. We’ve never done this before and we’ll probably never do it again, but we’d love to replace your vehicle.”

An auto blog covering the story in part in order to talk about the manner in which a Kia catches fire detailed that Danielle received a whole box of Stanley thermoses.

They also linked to a blog on Stanley’s website called Stories of the Unbreakables, which is filled with anecdotes of a Stanley product surviving above all else.

For example, Dave Moreno plans to be buried with his Stanley thermos—which he bought 10 years ago and has used in his work as a construction worker across the US Southwest and South America. It even deflected a bullet (not away from Dave though) in an attempted robbery in Peru.

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“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare.” – Bobby Knight

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Quote of the Day: “The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare.” – Bobby Knight

Photo: Jordan Love video screenshot

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Ten New Species of Trilobites Discovered in Ancient Ash Reveal Missing Pieces of World Puzzle

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UC Riverside
UC Riverside

Ten newly discovered species of trilobites, hidden for 490 million years in a little-studied part of Thailand, could be the missing pieces in an intricate puzzle of ancient world geography.

Trilobites are extinct sea creatures with half-moon-shaped heads that breathed through their legs. A 100-page article in the British journal offers great detail about the new species, including one named in honor of Thai Royal Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The trilobite fossils were trapped between layers of petrified ash in sandstone, the product of old volcanic eruptions that settled on the sea floor and formed a green layer called a tuff. Unlike some other kinds of rocks or sediment, tuffs contain crystals of zircon—a mineral that formed during an eruption and are, as the name of the rock layer containing them suggests, tough.

Zircon is chemically stable as well as heat and weather resistant. It is hard as steel and persists when minerals in other kinds of rocks erode. Inside these resilient zircon crystals, individual atoms of uranium gradually decay and transform into atoms of lead.

“We can use radio isotope techniques to date when the zircon formed and thus find the age of the eruption, as well as the fossil,” said Nigel Hughes, co-author and UC Riverside geology professor.

It is rare to find tuffs from this particular period of time, the late Cambrian period, between 497 and 485 million years ago. “Not many places around the world have this. It is one of the worst dated intervals of time in Earth’s history,” Hughes said.

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“The tuffs will allow us to not only determine the age of the fossils we found in Thailand, but to better understand parts of the world like China, Australia, and even North America where similar fossils have been found in rocks that cannot be dated,” said Shelly Wernette, former Hughes lab geologist now at Texas State University, and first author of the monograph.

The fossils were uncovered on the coast of an island called Ko Tarutao. It is about 40 minutes southwest from the mainland via high speed boat and is part of an UNESCO geopark site that has encouraged international teams of scientists to work in this area.

For Wernette, the most interesting discovery was 12 types of trilobites that have been seen in other parts of the world, but never in Thailand before. “We can now connect Thailand to parts of Australia, a really exciting discovery.”

During the trilobites’ lifetime, this region was on the outer margins of Gondwanaland, an ancient supercontinent that included Africa, India, Australia, South America, and Antarctica.

“Because continents shift over time, part of our job has been to work out where this region of Thailand was in relation to the rest of Gondwanaland,” Hughes said. “It’s a moving, shape shifting, 3D jigsaw puzzle we’re trying to put together. This discovery will help us do that.”

CHECK OUT: Oldest Fossilized Human Footprints in North America Over 20,000 Years Old

Parapilekia bunopasi A, dorsal; B, anterior; C, left lateral view. D, DGSC F1294, cranidium. E–G, DGSC F1390, pygidium in: E, left lateral; F, posterior; G, dorsal view. – UC Riverside

For example, take the species named for Royal Princess Sirindhorn. The species was named in tribute to the princess for her steadfast dedication to developing the sciences in Thailand. “This species had a regal quality. It has a broad headdress and clean sweeping lines,” Wernette said.

If researchers can get a date from the tuffs containing her namesake species, Tsinania sirindhornae, and determine when they lived, they will be able to say that closely related species of Tsinania found in northern and southern China are roughly the same age.

WOW: More Than 5,000 Ocean Species Entirely New to Science Discovered by English Expedition in Pacific

Ultimately, the researchers feel that the pictures of the ancient world hidden in the fossils they found contain invaluable information for the present day.

“What we have here is a chronicle of evolutionary change accompanied by extinctions. The Earth has written this record for us, and we’re fortunate to have it,” Hughes said. “The more we learn from it the better prepared we are for the challenges we’re engineering on the planet for ourselves today.”

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Artist Decorates Underwater Sculpture Park With 25 Figures of Local Island People in the Caribbean

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Artist Jason deCaires Taylor's newly updated installation in the sea off Grenada . See SWNS story SWLNstatues. A British artist has updated an underwater sculpture park in the Caribbean with 25 figures of local people. Jason deCaires Taylor, from Canterbury, in Kent has crafted the life-size sculptures, all of which have been cast from members of the local community in Grenada. Titled Coral Carnival and created in collaboration with a talented team of local artists, Mr Taylor said his latest design drew inspiration from the country’s vibrant annual carnival, Spicemas. He explained: “The sculptural procession portrays a range of symbolic carnival characters, each one celebrating Grenada’s rich culture and history.”
Artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s new sculpture installation in the sea off Grenada – SWNS

A British artist has crafted life-size sculptures, all of which have been cast from members of the local community in Grenada.

The installation known as the Coral Carnival was created by Jason deCaires Taylor in collaboration with a team of local artists, drawing inspiration from the country’s vibrant annual carnival, Spicemas.

“The sculptural procession portrays a range of symbolic carnival characters, each one celebrating Grenada’s rich culture and history,” said the sculptor from Canterbury in Kent.

The sculptures provide a major upgrade to the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, which Mr. Taylor created back in 2006—the first of its kind in the world.

Every sculpture added to the park can be found at about 10 feet underwater (3-meters) making them easy to see by snorkelers.

The designs, adorned with jewels, sequins, and feathers, represent the first time paint has been used on underwater sculptures, but with materials friendly for the environment. Made from high-grade stainless steel and PH-neutral marine cement, they are installed in a way that ensured the local reef was not damaged by anchoring.

Entitled Coral Carnival it was created in collaboration with a team of local artists, inspired by Grenada’s rich culture and history.

The bases of the sculptures even include holes and shelters designed for marine life, such as octopus and lobsters, to inhabit.

LOOK: Monumental Animal Sculptures Made From 35 Tons of Plastic Collected on Oregon Coast by Volunteers–LOOK

One of the characters depicted in Coral Carnival is Jab Jab—an important symbol of Grenadian culture and freedom.

“Although the name translates to ‘double evil’, the masqueraders are not devils themselves or related to demonic culture,” explained Taylor. “Instead, they are satirizing the thoughts and actions of slave masters from the past.”

Jason deCaires Taylor / SWNS

WOW: Artist Creates Fantasy Sculptures By Repurposing Dead Insects

The project was funded by the Grenadian Ministry of Implementation and Tourism, as well as by the World Bank.

SWEET: Sculpture Gifted to Couple Who Gave Him Shelter During a Storm 68 Years Ago Sells for $100,000

Randall Dolland, chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority said the expansion not only enhances the visitor experience, but also “deepens our connection to the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.”

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Joy Returning to Maui: Walmart and Salvation Army Bring Holiday Cheer, Surprising Thousands of Kids with Toys

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School holiday gifts giveaway in Lahaina
Toy giveaway in Maui by Walmart and Salvation

It’s been a difficult year for Hawaiians in Maui since wildfires destroyed the community in August, but with the holidays approaching so is the kindness, with Walmart and the Salvation Army stepping up with tens of thousands of free toys and gifts.

The organizations wanted to give back to the children affected in the community with a holiday celebration and surprise toy giveaway.

Walmart donated 35,000 toys to the children brightening their holiday spirits through two events.

They held a Christmas party for two elementary schools: King Kamehameha III was destroyed beyond repair in the fire, and their students and staff were relocated to Princess Nahi’ena’ena’s campus, where the Salvation Army decorated their large gymnasium with festive scenes for the big reveal.

Not only did the 800 children receive thousands of toys, Walmart showed the staff appreciation with Walmart gift cards to use during holidays.

School holiday gifts giveaway in Lahaina

“Held exactly three months after the devastating wildfires, this heartwarming event aimed to bring joy to the families impacted by the Lahaina wildfires and create a Winter Wonderland filled with surprises and delights,” said a Walmart spokesperson.

Child holds bag, ready to choose her gifts at the toy giveaway by Salvation Army and Walmart

“One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was when large gift bags filled with toys were distributed to each child present at the event, which was kept under wraps, for it to be a complete surprise to the children.”

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In a second event, a Winter Wonderland Toy Shopping Spree was held last week at a local Walmart store where more than 1,800 Maui children and their families were able to shop for multiple toys, free of charge.

“The smiles and excitement on their faces were a testament to the love and care shared by the Lahaina community, Walmart and The Salvation Army.”

Each child got a big bag to fill with toys at Maui Walmart

RELATED: Oprah And Dwayne Johnson Giving $1,200 Per Month To Maui Wildfire Survivors

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The Comedy Wildlife Photo Winners Are Here–And They’re Absolutely Adorable

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The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Jacek Stankiewicz Jacek Stankiewicz Kraków Poland Title: Dispute Description: I caught this scene while watching birds in the Bialowieza Forest. Young greenfinch was still fed by parents. However, from time to time birds looked like having argument. My friends interpret this scene in two ways. 1 A young naughty kid is arguing with a parent. 2. One kid is reporting to the parent that its brother did something wrong: look he has broken the glass in the window. Animal: Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) Location of shot: Bialowieza forest
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Jason Moore

The funniest photography competition in the world announced their winners and the grand prize winner was a kangaroo playing air guitar.

Up against 5,300 entries from 85 countries, Jason Moore from Australia with his ‘Air Guitar Roo’ prevailed in the closest voting ever.

Taken in the outer suburbs of Perth, Jason visited a yellow field of wildflowers where a “mob” of adult kangaroos and joeys were playing and feeding—and apparently listening to music.

“When I saw this Roo striking the air guitar pose, it immediately brought a smile to my face, and I knew that I had captured something really special. “

As the Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year champion, Jason won a safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya, and other prizes.

The competition was founded in 2015 by Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, both professional photographers and conservationists to create a fun and free-to-enter photography competition unlike any other.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Jacek Stankiewicz

6 Category Winners included the Junior Category, won by 16-year-old Jacek Stankiewicz with his image of two greenfinches in Poland called ‘Dispute’, which also took home this year’s People’s Choice Award.

“I caught this scene in the Bialowieza Forest while watching birds that looked like they were having argument,” said the young Polish man. “My friends interpret this scene, (saying) ‘One kid is reporting to the parent that its brother did something wrong.”

White grouse – The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Jacques Poulard

There were also 10 Highly Commended Winners, including the entry above from France called Snowball. “Taken in Spitzberg during a very cold winter, the white grouse is coming to me and looked like a snowball with eyes,” recalled Jacques Poulard.

‘The Rainforest Dandy’ was taken in a monkey forest in Ubud, Bali by Delphine Casimir.

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Delphine Casimir

“This place is a crazy place where monkeys are king! sometimes they give a show, sometimes, they climb on you to look for fleas or steal the piece of biscuit you are trying to eat,” she said. “Their kingdom has three hindu temples. Maybe our dandy is the reicarnation of a divinity?”

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Tzahi finkelstein

‘The Happy Turtle Dragonfly’ was shot in the Jezreel Valley in Israel by Tzahi Finkelstein who mused, “The swamp turtle is surprised and smiles at the dragonfly resting on its nose.”

Comedy Wildlife Winners 2023 / ©Lara Mathews

Taken at Westerfolds Park—a surprisingly wild pocket of land in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia—a mob of kangaroo was enjoying some morning sunshine when this joey decided to get silly and try his hand at boxing.

Gannet family along the North Sea in the UK – Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023 / ©Zoe Ashdown

And finally, this gannet family was a touching winner from the UK. Each year between March and October, around half a million seabirds use the Bempton chalk cliffs towering above the North Sea to nest and raise a family.

Gannets mate for life and they return to the same nest year after year to raise their young. Zoe Ashdown described how she got the winning shot:

COMEDY WINNERS FROM 2022: The Funniest Wildlife Photos of 2022 Win Big Laughs in Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

“Lying safely at the top of the cliff face I was able to observe the affection shown between the gannets each time one returned to the nest.

“They have a greeting ritual: they rub beaks and entwine their necks; it’s how they strengthen their bond. But it’s also a brilliant opportunity to catch them in various poses.

CHECK OUT THE 2021 WINNERS: From Cheeky Bears to Goofy Gophers, See the Fun Finalists of the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards

“As soon as I saw (this capture) I laughed out loud! They look like proud parents, posing with their baby – definitely one for the family album!”

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“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget.” – William Arthur Ward

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Quote of the Day: “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget.” – William Arthur Ward

Photo by: Markus Spiske

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Cup Found in Garage Turns Out to be Chinese Treasure Worth Thousands

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Charles Hanson with the antique Chinese cup from the Qing Dynasty – Hansons Auctioneers / SWNS
Charles Hanson with the antique Chinese cup from the Qing Dynasty – Hansons Auctioneers / SWNS

A couple were left stunned after a cup tucked away in their garage turned out to be an antique Chinese treasure from the Qing Dynasty worth thousands.

The rare, centuries-old libation cup was identified by an antiques expert called to the home in England to assess items for potential consignment.

It turned out to be a mystical Chinese antique made of rhinoceros horn believed to detect poison and hold aphrodisiac qualities for users 350 years ago.

The couple in the Cotswolds are now placing the ornate late 17th-century mug up for auction on November 30.

Charles Hansons, the star of TV’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, said he had completed his visit and was sitting in his car, about to drive off with a wave, when the couple asked if they could show him one more thing.

“They disappeared into the garage. What was placed into my hands was a magical find. I instantly recognized it as a rare Chinese object dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century.

Hansons Auctioneers / SWNS

“It was beautifully carved out of rhinoceros horn and displayed intricate detail.”

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The handle features sinuous Chilong dragons, one peering over the interior rim.

“Another playful  dragon is carved on the opposing lip.

“Rhinoceros horn libation cups were used for communal drinking at important ceremonial occasions in Chinese scholarly circles.

“They were considered magical objects. In ancient China, Daoists believed the horn would change colors to alert a drinker to the presence of poison.”

This cup was inherited by the client’s grandfather.

AMAZING: 400-Year-old Ming Dynasty Table Worth $80k Inherited From Relative Who Loved Anything Asian

Hansons Auctioneers / SWNS

Charles said rhinoceros horn was considered one of ‘Eight Precious’ symbols representing good luck and prosperity in Chinese mythology.

“By the Tang dynasty (AD 618-806) it was being carved into drinking containers used at ceremonies honoring ancestors and given to scholars who were successful in examinations.

The trade and transportation of rhinoceros horn carvings that are antiques is regulated by law, however, they are permitted to be sold if for purely artistic intentions.

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Chinese law states that any item sold for over $100 per gram is automatically granted work-of-art status and therefore be allowed to return to China if buyers wish to repatriate it back to its home country.

SO COOL: Box of Stained Glass Bought at Auction Solves 80-year Mystery of Church Windows Gone Missing During WWII

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Police Give Motorists a Thanksgiving Surprise–Handing Out Free Turkeys Instead of Tickets

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Summerville Police Department officers hand out turkeys instead of tickets in heartwarming Thanksgiving program – SWNS
Summerville Police Department officers hand out turkeys instead of tickets in heartwarming Thanksgiving program – SWNS

Motorists in South Carolina who were pulled over for violations got a Thanksgiving surprise, as officers handed them a free turkey instead of tickets or fines.

Every turkey day for the past five years the Summerville Police Department has spread seasonal cheer with the program.

A video captures drivers being pulled over and bursting into laughter and relief when handed a turkey instead.

The department turns the annual, week-long event called ‘Turkey, no Ticket’, into a teaching experience for drivers.

They stop motorists who might normally have been issued written warnings or tickets for infractions like driving with an obstructed mirror, or minor speeding.

This year, Motorcycle Officers Bryan Young and T.J. Thomas gave out 12 turkeys donated by a local Harris Teeter supermarket.

Summerville Police officers hand out turkeys instead of tickets in heartwarming Thanksgiving program – SWNS

Police Chief Douglas Wright said that the project is also intended to foster goodwill between police and the community.

WATCH: Cop Saves Unconscious Driver From Burning Truck, ‘I’m either going to die here with him or get him out’

“We feel that it is essential to utilize every unique idea to help break down the walls between the community and law enforcement.

“The holidays can be challenging for many reasons, so giving back to the community is another way to brighten the season for those who are struggling.”

He also said that his officers are always excited to take part in the project.

“Each year, the officers who are selected to participate absolutely love doing this particular outreach.

WATCH: When Boy Asks Strangers for Yard Work to Save up for New Game Console, Cops Are Called–And They Buy Him a New PS5

“This small act of kindness makes everyone smile when they watch the video because we are defying expectations and making people happy.”

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Pipe Dreams Comes True For Top Tradesmen at the First National Plumbing Championship

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Good News Network
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On a mission to elevate the profile of plumbers, the first-ever Plumbing National Championship attracted the crème de la crème of American tradespeople to compete for cash and prizes last month.

One of the plumbers taking the plunge made a savvy move that would pay off big, when Craig Childress, a Boston tradesman, made the strategic decision to check extra luggage before jetting off to Florida for the Elite Trades Championship Series—which also judges the top Auto Technicians, Electricians, and HVAC techs.

Childress’s foresight was spot on. Not only did he clinch the title of top plumber, but he also emerged as the winner in the HVAC Championship—a crossover first in the event’s history.

His twin triumphs saw Childress hauling in $50,000 in prize money and a pair of weighty trophies. In the aftermath, with his wife Rachel by his side, the elated plumber reflected on his whirlwind double win.

“Professionally, this is the most absurdly wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s been an unbelievable journey.”

The CBS Sports Network will broadcast The Elite Trades Championship Series in December. Founded in 2015, it’s a showcase of finesse and knowledge among the nation’s elite apprentices and seasoned pros, all vying for a slice of the $300,000 prize pool.

CHECK OUT: “Kindest Plumber” Hailed as Modern-Day-Hero for Charity Work that Has Helped Over 52,000 Families

The sponsored event framed pipework as a competitive sport, a showdown aimed to flush away old stereotypes and draw a new generation into the field.

“Plumbing is not just a job—it’s a vocation that pays well, but demands smarts, skill, and a steady hand,” said a spokesperson for the event sponsor, SharkBite Plumbing Solutions, in a press release.

“Plumbing may not spark viral hashtags or trend on TikTok, but the Plumbing National Championship is changing the conversation around this foundational trade.”

In the Olympics of pipe wrenches, plumbing pros from across the nation locked horns, diving into a gauntlet of real-world challenges, turning the spotlight on the unsung skills that keep our faucets flowing and toilets flushing.

PLUMBING GOOD SAMARITAN: New Jersey Plumber Drives 22 Hours With Equipment to Help the Overwhelmed Texans Whose Pipes Burst

David Shanor from Virginia and Joe Jaspers from Ohio nabbed the second and third spots in plumbing, with Dagner Espinoza and Lee Morris Jr. rounding out the HVAC podium.

However, for Childress, his moment of victory was as personal as it was professional. After both championship wins, he shared the moment with his 12-year-old daughter via video chat. Her pride in her dad was the cherry on top of an already sweet victory, and moved dad to the brink of tears.

WOW: Plumber Has Landed Record Deal After Music Mogul Heard Him Singing –While He Fitted His Bathroom

According an Instagram post, CBS Sports Network will broadcast the 2023 Plumbing National Championship on December 29, at 8:00 PM ET, allowing viewers nationwide to witness the drama of Childress’s remarkable pipe dream come true. The HVAC National Championship will air on December 15.

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Your Weekly Horoscope: A ‘Free Will Astrology’ From Rob Brezsny

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Good News Network
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Our partner Rob Brezsny, who has a new book out, Astrology Is Real: Revelations from My Life as an Oracle, provides his weekly wisdom to enlighten our thinking and motivate our mood. Rob’s Free Will Astrology, is a syndicated weekly column appearing in over a hundred publications. He is also the author of Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How All of Creation Is Conspiring To Shower You with Blessings. (A free preview of the book is available here.)

Here is your weekly horoscope…

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY – Week of November 25, 2023
Copyright by Rob Brezsny, FreeWillAstrology.com

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Have you located any of your soul twins? If not, is that an interesting prospect for you? Please note that soul twins are not necessarily the same as dream lovers. They may simply be people with whom you share deep values and perspectives. They might aspire to influence the world in ways similar to you. With a soul twin, you feel at home in the world and extra happy to be yourself. I bring these meditations to your attention, Scorpio, because the coming months will be an especially likely time for you to encounter and engage with soul twins. Be on the alert!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was charismatic and forceful, but also hot-tempered and prone to rude behavior. The writer Goethe, his contemporary, said “his talent amazed me,” and described him as an “utterly untamed personality.” Beethoven seldom lived in one home for very long and loved to sing at the top of his lungs as he washed himself. Although he played piano with exquisite skill, he was quite clumsy as he moved through the world. Can you guess what astrological sign he was? Same as you! Sagittarius! I’m not saying you are exactly like this wild, unruly genius, but you do have tendencies in that direction. And in the coming weeks, I expect you’ll be inclined to be more Beethoven-esque than usual. Please work on emphasizing the winsome aspects.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
I hope you have developed good boundaries, Capricorn. I hope you are so skilled at taking care of yourself that you steadfastly refuse to let people manipulate you or hurt you. Just to make sure your discernment is working at peak levels, though, I will offer you a tip. In the English language, we have the idiom “to rub salt in a wound,” which refers to the fact that daubing salt in an open gash in the skin makes the pain even worse. But did you know that smearing sugar in a wound is equally distressing? The metaphorical lesson is that you should be vigilant for seemingly nice, sweet people who might also violate your boundaries to hurt or manipulate you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
I estimate this horoscope is worth $22,225. It has been made possible by my many years of disciplined meditations, extensive reading of holy texts, and an ever-growing devotion to astrology and my readers. But here’s the fun part: You can read these words for free! No cost at all! I will, however, ask you to do something for me in return. First, give your gifts joyously and generously in the coming weeks, holding nothing back. Second, don’t be in the least concerned about whether you will receive benefits in return for your gifts. Find the sweet spot where you love bestowing blessings for no other reason except this one: You are expressing your gratitude for the miraculous life you have been given.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
Do you possess gambits, tactics, and knacks that we might refer to as your “bag of tricks”? I hope so, because such an asset will be extra valuable during the coming weeks. You will be wise to employ every cagey move you can imagine and call on every favor that’s owed to you and cash in on every advantage you have accrued. I don’t want you to engage in outright cheating, but I encourage you to use ploys and stratagems that have full integrity. Be on the lookout for secret shortcuts, magic cookies, and wild cards.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):
When we experience authentic awe, our humility deepens. This in turn tends to make us kinder, smarter, and more positive. So how can we stimulate awe? Among the many possible ways are gazing at magnificent art, hiking in a natural wonderland, or being in the presence of a beautiful human soul. In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend that you go in quest of awe and related feelings like reverence, amazement, adoration, and veneration. Your mental, physical, and spiritual health will flourish in response.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
It’s the Season for Cherishing and Smoking Out Secrets. So let’s talk about the subject. 1. Some secrets are sad, haunting, even risky—and worth keeping secret. 2. Other secrets can be beautiful, healing, and potentially life-changing if they are revealed gracefully. 3. Some secrets are buried so deeply that only very persistent seekers dig them up. 4. Some secrets are “hidden” in plain view, and only visible to people who are clear and brave enough to identify them. I suspect you Tauruses will have a special knack for managing all types of secrets in the coming weeks, including those I mentioned.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
I hope you won’t fill yourself up with appetizers and hors d’oeuvres in the coming weeks, Gemini. My soul will be at peace if I see you save your hunger for the main courses. Your motto should be “Feasts, not snacks!” or “The Real Deal, not the pretenders!” or “The jubilee, not the distractions!” If you ever find yourself feeling halfhearted or inattentive, you’re probably not in the right situation. Here’s an affirmation to go with your mottoes: “I am liberating my divine appetite!”

CANCER (June 21-July 22):
Playwright Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) is regarded as one of history’s great writers. That does not mean everything he said was wise, useful, or worthy of our attention. For example, he was once asked to give his opinion about ballet. “During the intermissions, the ballerinas stink like horses,” he replied. I hesitate to bring up such a vulgar reference, but I wanted to make a vivid point. In the coming weeks, I hope you will ignore the advice of people who don’t know what they are talking about, no matter how smart or charismatic they may be. I hope you will not attribute expertise to those who have no such expertise. I hope that as much as possible, you will rely on first-hand information, rigorous research, and reliable influences.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):
Researchers have determined that there are two basic dispositions among tigers. One is what they call “majesty.” Creatures with this orientation tend to be dignified, imposing, and agile. The other type of tiger personality revolves around “steadiness.” This is the opposite of neuroticism, and includes the qualities of being affable, easy to get along with, and well-adjusted. I know many astrologers associate lions with you Leos, but I prefer to link you with tigers. If you agree with me, here’s my prediction: You are beginning a phase when you will be more majestic than steady—but with plenty of steadiness also available if you want it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
“It is better to entertain an idea than to take it home to live with you for the rest of your life,” wrote author Randall Jarrell. That’s decent advice, though I will add a caveat. If you entertain an idea for a while and it turns out that you love it, and you also love the beneficent effect it has on you, you may be smart to take it home to live with you. I’m guessing you Virgos are at a pivotal point in this regard. Not yet, but soon, you will know whether it will be wise to get cozier with certain influences you have been flirting with—or else decide they are not ones you want to keep.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
If I could give an award for Most Curious Genius in the World, it would be to Libran author and naturalist Diane Ackerman. She would also get my prize for Most Voracious Learner and Best Questioner and Most Exuberant Seeker and Searcher. “To hear the melody,” she writes, “we must hear all the notes.” In response to the question, “What is life?” she offers this answer: “corsages and dust mites and alligator skin and tree-frog serenades and foreskins and blue hydrangeas and banana slugs and war dances and cedar chips and bombardier beetles.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I encourage you to be like Diane Ackerman in the coming weeks.

WANT MORE? Listen to Rob’s EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES, 4-5 minute meditations on the current state of your destiny — or subscribe to his unique daily text message service at: RealAstrology.com

(Zodiac images by Numerologysign.com, CC license)

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“It is better to entertain an idea than to take it home to live with you for the rest of your life.” – Randall Jarrell 

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “It is better to entertain an idea than to take it home to live with you for the rest of your life.” – Randall Jarrell 

Photo by: Carla Quario

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Garbage Man Saves Kitten from Being Crushed, Now Adopted and Healthy in Time for Christmas

By
Andy Corbley
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Tiny Tim with Laura Morris, his new owner. Credit Blue Cross Animal Hospital
Tiny Tim with Laura Morris, his new owner – Credit Blue Cross Animal Hospital

Seconds away from being crushed in a garbage truck, a snow-white kitten has found a new home in time for Christmas after being saved by the driver.

The two-day-old feline was found weighing just 93 grams, less than a tangerine, when a quick-thinking garbageman heard his tiny mews and fished him out of the trash that was being dumped and compacted in his truck.

Arriving at Blue Cross Animal Hospital, his coloration and his birth so near the most wonderful time of the year earned him the name Tiny Tim.

Tiny Tim needed to be hand-fed every two hours and, with his eyes not yet open as a newborn, he was kept in an incubator for warmth.

Following his brush with death, Tiny Tim was able to find a loving new home with another Blue Cross rescue kitten named Oskie, the sole survivor from his litter.

“I’m so glad I brought him to Blue Cross, what an amazing job the team has done,” said the refuse collector who came to Tiny Tim’s rescue. “I’m glad to see him so well.”

MORE FELINE RESCUES: Chicago Marathon Runner Rescues Stray Kitten During the Race–Bystander Gives it a Home

Three-legged Oskie had his hind leg amputated after an infection. The best friends were both adopted by Laura Morris, who works for the Blue Cross.

Tiny Tim when he arrived – Credit Blue Cross Animal Hospital

“I couldn’t believe he had been put in the bin, he’s so cute and lovely,” she said. “Tiny Tim’s so inquisitive, confident, and happy. It’s incredibly rewarding to see him as he is now, compared to when he first came to us.”

THIS KITTEN WAS FOUND IN AN ATM: Firefighters Save Kitten Stuck in an ATM – And His New Name is Cash

Learning from another cat is incredibly valuable for Tiny Tim as he grows, giving him more chances to experience feline behavior firsthand, adds Laura.

“We are so happy he is now in a loving home where he is happy, healthy, and fed, which is all pets want for Christmas,” said Morris’ colleague Amanda Rumball, London animal welfare officer at Blue Cross.

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Thousands of Years Ago, a Woman Underwent Two Surgeries to Her Head–and Survived Both Procedures

By
Andy Corbley
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A Copper Age women underwent two separate surgical procedures that left two overlapping holes in her skull. (Image credit Sonia Díaz-Navarro et al)
A Copper Age woman underwent two separate surgical procedures that left two overlapping holes in her skull. (Image credit Sonia Díaz-Navarro et al. via Live Science)

Researchers don’t know why, but a late-Neolithic, early-Copper Age woman underwent two cranial surgeries throughout her adult life—newly found archaeological remains from Spain have revealed.

Imagine for a moment everything that a successful surgery requires: orderlies, razor-sharp implements, anesthetic, disinfectant, and anatomical knowledge of the affected are the bare necessities for a procedure, none of which are common finds among Stone Age habitations

Yet in a burial site at Camino del Molino, located in Caravaca de la Cruz in Southeastern Spain, the skull of a 35 to 40-year-old woman was found with expertly made trepanations, or surgical entries into the cranium.

Trepanations mean the surgeon was trying to access the dura mater, the outermost layer of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and forensic analysis showed it was neither a wound of violence, nor some form of ritual cannibalism, because the areas around the trepanations were clean; without fractures, and the woman lived months after the second of the two procedures was finished.

It’s a stunning demonstration of medical knowledge and acumen for a people who had only just barely worked out the smithing of copper tools.

It also demonstrates the value that these primitive societies placed on the lives of loved ones, as this woman might already have been a grandmother and near the end of her life, yet was operated on twice in her twilight years, which would have included a substantial period of recovery during which she contributed no food or labor to the community while still consuming food collected by others.

The funerary site of Camino del Molino contains 1,348 individuals, and this woman who had lived a full life for a Neolithic/Copper Age human, lived months after the second of two surgeries in the same part of the brain was concluded. She eventually died during the period of the funerary pit’s second use phase which stretched from 2566 to 2239 BCE.

The Copper Age woman’s skeleton as seen at the burial site. (Image credit: Sonia Díaz-Navarro et al. via Live Science)

“This is a cranial region rarely documented in prehistoric trepanations, as it contains the temporalis muscles and important blood vessels,” the authors write in their paper on the discovery in the International Journal of Paleopathology.

One of the authors spoke to Live Science about their discovery, describing the full extent of the procedure and what it must have required in a Paleolithic environment.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 24,000-Year-Old Cave Art Suddenly Found in Well-Known Paleolithic Cave Shelter in Spain

“This [trepanation] involves rubbing a rough-surfaced lithic [stone] instrument against the cranial vault, gradually eroding it along all its edges to create the hole,” said Sonia Díaz-Navarro, corresponding author on the paper from the Department of Prehistory, Archaeology, and Anthropology at the University of Valladolid.

“To perform this surgery, the affected individual likely had to be strongly immobilized by other members of the community or previously treated with a psychoactive substance that would alleviate pain or render them unconscious,” she said, adding that plants with natural antibacterial properties must have been used to prevent the obvious and serious risk of infection

Two overlapping holes were discovered between the woman’s temple and the top of her ear. The first was 2.1 inches wide by 1.2 inches long, and the second was smaller, at 1.3 by 0.47 inches, created into the already-healed bone tissue of the first trepanation.

ANOTHER CASE OF PREHISTORIC SURGERY: Evidence of Amputation in Prehistoric Times Shows Patient Surviving for a Decade–Proves Medical Expertise Existed

The authors determined that it must have been this rubbing or scraping technique that was used, rather than drilling, as it was safer and presented a lower risk of bleeding out. Despite the obvious difficulty in the act, the authors note that the whole literature of ancient or prehistoric surgery has demonstrated little detectable error in the use of the bladed stones.

While holes in her head were not the result of a wound inflicted by another human or animal, the authors can’t rule out the possibility that the surgery was performed as the result of a wound or injury, as other skeletons in the Camino de Molino bear signs of trauma.

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Wendy’s Worker Saves Customer’s Life: ‘I was like, ‘Girl, you know how to do CPR; get over there’

By
Andy Corbley
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Alexandria Cowheard. WKYT - fair use
Alexandria Cowheard. WKYT – fair use

A Wendy’s worker was given the impromptu opportunity to have a break from work; normally a delightful surprise, but it wasn’t for R&R.

At a franchise location on Richmond Road in Lexington, Kentucky, a man had collapsed in the parking lot. Alexandria Cowheard was on shift and alerted to the situation by her coworker.

She had already called 911 by the time she arrived at the man’s unconscious body, but the color of his face told of the need for immediate action.

“I didn’t panic visibly, but in the back of my mind, I was like, what do I do,” Cowheard said. “I kind of short-circuited a little bit before I was like, ‘Girl, you know how to do CPR; get over here and do these chest compressions.’”

The 22-year-old Alexandria learned CPR in her senior year of high school, and after a short time doing chest compressions, he “did that snoring thing again,” and gasped for air.

The whole thing took just a few minutes, but to the adrenaline-soaked mind of Alexandria, it seemed a long while.

MORE CPR SAVES: 12-Year-Old Saves Man Who Passed Out Underwater, Credits CPR Learned from ‘Stranger Things’

The young woman is working at Wendy’s while going to school at BCTC to become a certified nursing assistant, according to WKYT, and the future medical professional wants to work in the NICU when she finishes school.

At that moment though, she put her future career aside and went right back to work.

WATCH the story below from WKYT…

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